Breast pumping question

Okay so this has probably been asked about a hundred times but I can't find a post on it. I am solely pumping for my 1 month old son. He had problems latching on so this is where we stand. However, I'm not producing enough milk so I'm having to supplement as well. Does anyone know some tips for getting your milk supply to increase with pumping?

 

Have you tried putting him to your breast and continuing to try to breastfeed? I know Melissao here started breastfeeding at 3 months with her twins! There are suppliments such as fenugreek or regular oatmeal that is supposed to increase supply. Pumping often should increase your supply. Pump thinking about your baby, with him in front of you if possible. Imagine your milk flowing to him is another way. Good luck!

 

I havent been able to nurse and I exclusively pump for both babies and I just started taking Reglan to increase supply as they had a growth spurt and I wasnt making enough, it worked great, I am thinking of staying on it so that I always have enough.

 

Ditto Jackie - have you thought about giving nursing another try? You never know, he might surprise you!

How often are you pumping now, and how long each time? How much milk do you get over 24 hrs?

The most effective way of increasing your supply is nursing, since babies can empty your breasts much better than a pump. But if that's not an option, would you be able to pump more often than you are currently? Maybe every 2 hrs during the day and at least a couple nighttime sessions? Are you doing things like breast massage and hot compresses to get the milk to flow more? Does your pump have a "let-down" feature? (If so, whenever your milk stops flowing while pumping, you could switch off, wait a minute, and then do the rapid letdown phase again to try to get things going again.)

You can also try taking fenugreek. And if all this stuff doesn't work, you could ask a doctor or LC for a rx for reglan or domperidone. But the #1 most important thing is emptying your breasts as often and as thoroughly as possible.

Good luck! It is awesome that you are doing all the hard work of pumping to give your baby the best! :clapping:

 

HI Maggie :sign0016: to the bfing forum I ditto the other ladies in that if you can get him to bf at all that would do wonders for your supply. If you want help with that we can help!

As far as increasing pumping supply, you can pump more often, take fenugreek, power pump (pump 20mins on, 20mins off, 20 mins on, 20mins off) for 1-2hrs each day, etc. Here are two links that may help link#1 and link#2

HTH

 

I don't know much about the supplements, but how often are you pumping? You need to pump every 3 hours with no skipping. Even at night, you have to get up and pump. If you do this consistently you should see your supply build. I, too, pumped exclusively and I pumped every three hours for several months to keep my supply up. Remember, your feeding two, so it takes much more consistency to keep your supply up.

 

Thanks for all of the tips.....I'll try some of them out and come back with more questions as I get them.